I'm staining my kitchen cabinets right now. From dark oak, with Java Gel Stain. I think the gel stain would cover that discoloration. If you google Java Gel Stain Kitchen, you will see many examples of how it looks. You could go lighter than java color. I have painted cabinets and now staining...staining is so much easier!

I actually have a different problem with replacing my pulls and will have to order 'back plates' with knobs to cover up what is going on with mine...but they are pricey! (Especially when you add in drawer pulls and hinges).

We just refinished our cabinets. We painted them with a custom paint color from Carolina Heartwood Cabinetry ( http://www.carolinaheartwoodcabinetry.com)

Oh my gosh -- love those handles! A good wood cleaner should do wonders. Not Pledge.

One way to keep the oak look but completely change the look would be to cut out a center window in the doors and place glass inserts in the doors. You end up with a completely new look, but without having to refinish the wood.

To affix the glass and create a finished look, a thin piece of wood can be used on the front, thereby giving the glass additional strength and creating a clean line over the area of the wood that is cut out. Adding glass is also a great way to enlargen the look of your kitchen.